Jefferson French Wine Bottle

Based on fragments of bottles Jefferson ordered from French vineyards, this handsome reproduction was developed for the ongoing restoration of Monticello’s Wine Cellar. Virginia-made in the Jamestown Glasshouse. Size will vary. Approximately 9 1/2". Food safe. Glass does not tolerate hot liquids. Cold or warm liquids only.

Reproduction Wine Bottle

Thomas Jefferson has been described as America’s “first distinguished viticulturist” because of his attempts to grow grapes at Monticello and his keen support for the establishment of an American wine industry. Jefferson believed that “we could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.” Though this vision never came to fruition during his lifetime, Jefferson’s reputation as a wine expert is undeniable, from his attempts to import high quality wines from Europe; his role as “wine advisor” to Presidents Washington, Madison, and Monroe; and his wine cellar at Monticello.

Jefferson’s cellar contained bottles from France, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Germany, and Italy, and he served wine after dinner daily in the belief that it was good for the health. The cellar also featured bottle-holding dumbwaiters that went through the ceiling and into the mantel piece in the Dining Room above, which allowed wine bottles to be discarded and replenished with minimal intrusion.

Jefferson’s wine cellar has recently undergone extensive archaeological study. As expected, many shards of green wine bottle glass were discovered. Our reproduction glass bottles have been manufactured to accurately reflect the type of glass bottle that was in use during Jefferson’s retirement.

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Gift Wrap Information

We will wrap your gift in white gift paper, trimmed with red Jefferson signature ribbon and a bow, and include a hand written gift message. The charge is $6.95 per item.

Each item will be wrapped and charged individually. You cannot elect to have multiple quantities wrapped together when ordering through our website. If you wish to do so, please call us at 1-800-243-1743 to place your order.